Multiple network connection method and communication device thereof

ABSTRACT

A multiple network connection method that includes: receiving, by a first device from a second device, capability information of the second device; transmitting, by the first device to the second device, a registration complete message indicating that the second device is registered to a network; and performing, by the first device, a service control for providing a service for the second device. A first connection path and a second connection path are established using the capability information. The first connection path is established between the network and the second device through the first device, and is used for conveying control information for the service. The second connection path is established between the network and the second device not through the first device, and is used for conveying user data for the service.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of copending Application Ser. No. 12/162,295 filed on Jul. 25, 2008, which is the National Stage of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2007/000341 filed Jan. 19, 2007, which claims priority to Application No. 10-2006-0088272 filed in Korea on Sep. 12, 2006, as well as U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/765,217 filed Feb. 6, 2006. The entire contents of all of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multiple network connection method, and a communication device thereof, and more particularly, to a multiple network connection method capable of enabling a first communication device connectable to a first communication network to implement a service that can be provided from the first communication network through a second terminal connectable to a second communication network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Background Art

Generally, a personal area network (PAN) represents a network contrary to the well-known LAN or WAN, which means that each person is provided with his own network. That is, a person implements his own network for convenience by using his portable terminal, etc.

The conventional PAN will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view showing a personal area network (PAN) in accordance with the conventional art.

Referring to FIG. 1, the PAN comprises a user equipment (UE) 10, and mobile equipment (ME) 21 to 23.

The UE 10 has a first module (not shown) connectable to a mobile communication network 50, and is provided with various communication service from a service providing entity 53 inside the mobile communication network 50 or executes a communication with a UE#2 53.

The UE 10 has a subscriber identity module (SIM) or a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), through which an authentication process and various communication services are executed.

The UE 10 may be provided with a communication module such as an infrared ray communication, and constitutes a PAN 40 through the communication module.

The ME 20 is a mobile communication device or a fixed communication device, and is provided with a communication module (not shown) for supporting a short distance communication such as an infrared ray communication. The ME 20 can participate in the PAN 40 through the communication module.

The ME 20 may communicate with the service providing entity 53 or the UE#2 53 inside the mobile communication network 50 through the UE 10. Herein, a PNM application server (PNM AS) 52 controls the communication.

The UE 10 and the ME 20 of FIG. 1 may constitute one PAN 40, and may transceive data inside the PAN 40. The ME 20 may transceive data with the service providing entity 53 or the UE#2 53 inside the mobile communication network 50 through the UE 10.

That is, the ME 20 inside the PAN 40 can transceive data with the mobile communication network 50 through the UE 10.

Disclosure of the Invention

In the aforementioned method, the ME 20 has to execute a service provided from the mobile communication network 50 through the UE 10.

That is, in order for the ME 20 inside the PAN 40 to execute a service provided from the mobile communication network 50, it has to pass through the UE 10. However, executing the service through the UE 10 has the following problems.

First, since the ME 20 executes the same service as the UE 10 through the UE 10, each battery of the UE 10 and the ME 20 is consumed.

Second, even if the ME 20 executes the same service as the UE 10 through the UE 10, it is dependent on a communication environment of the UE 10.

Third, since data of the ME 20 is concentrated on the UE 10, a function of the UE10 may be degraded.

Fourth, since data of the ME 20 is concentrated on the UE 10, the UE10 may cause a communication overload.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple network connection method capable of transceiving control data for controlling a second terminal (ME) through a first communication device (UE), and capable of transceiving general data through a new connection path to which the second terminal (ME) is connectable.

To achieve these objects, there is provided a multiple network connection method through a first communication device comprised in a multiple network comprising one or more second communication device, the method comprising: transmitting a service request message to the second communication device by the first communication device; transmitting a response message including service connection information to the first communication device by the second communication device; transmitting the service request message including the service connection information to a network management server by the first communication device; transmitting a request message to set a new connection path with the second communication device to a service providing entity or an external communication device by the network management server; and generating a new connection path between the service providing entity or the external communication device and the second communication device, and transceiving data through the new connection path.

Preferably, the service may be provided to the first communication device with fee.

Preferably, the first communication device may have an authorization to access to the service, and may be provided with a SIM or a USIM.

Preferably, the service request message may include at least one of IP address information and port number of the second communication device.

Preferably, the service connection information may include at least one of information about IP address and information about a port number.

Preferably, the network management server is a personal network management (PNM) server.

Preferably, the service request message may include at least one of a network ID of the first communication device, a network ID of the second communication device, an IP address of the second communication device, a port number of the second communication device, and a service ID. Preferably, the new connection path may be a path, between the service providing entity and the second communication device, through another access network not through the first communication device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a multiple network connection method through a first communication device comprised in a multiple network comprising one or more second communication device, the method comprises: transmitting a service request message to the second communication device by the first communication device when receiving the service request message from a service providing entity or an external communication device through a network management server; transmitting a response message including the service connection information to the network management server by the first communication device; transmitting the response message including the service connection information to the service providing entity or the external communication device by the network management server; and generating a new connection path between the service providing entity or the external communication device and the second communication device, and transceiving data through the new connection path.

Preferably, the service request message may include an indicator to instruct any second communication device to perform a service.

Preferably, the service request message may include an ID of the second communication device.

Preferably, the service request message may include a service ID representing that the service request message is for a PAN service.

To achieve these objects, there is also provided a communication device that participates in a network formed by a master communication device connectable to an external communication network, the communication device capable of transmitting a response message including service connection information to the master communication device if a service request message is received from the master communication device, capable of generating a new connection path with a service providing entity or an external communication device, and then capable of transceiving data through the new connection path to/from the service providing entity or the external communication device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device that is a first communication device comprised in a multiple network comprising one or more second communication devices, the communication device capable of delivering a service request message to a target communication device among the one or more second communication devices in the multiple network if the service request message is received from a service providing entity or an external communication device through a network management server, capable of receiving a response message including service connection information from the target communication device, and capable of transmitting connection setting information to generate a new connection path between the target communication device and the service providing entity or the external communication device to the network management server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view showing a personal area network (PAN) in accordance with the conventional art;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing a personal area network (PAN) according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a reciprocal recognition process between terminals of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a registration process of the terminals of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing a multiple network connection method according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing a multiple network connection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

A multiple network connection method and a communication device thereof according to the present invention will be explained in more detail.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing a personal area network (PAN) according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, a personal area network (PAN) 400 transceives control data through a UE 100 (a first communication device or a master communication device), and transceives service data through a new connection path 610 to which a ME 200 (a second communication device) can access, thereby performing a service provided from a mobile communication network 500 through the ME 200.

The PAN 400 may comprise the UE 100 and at least one ME 200.

The UE 100 is a communication device including a first communication module (not shown) for supporting a standard such as CDMA, TD-SCDMA, TDMA, GPRS, EDGE, and WCDMA. The UE 100 accesses to the mobile communication network 500 through the first communication module, thereby performing various communication services. The UE 100 includes a subscriber identity module (SIM) or a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), through which an authentication process and various communication services are performed.

In order to directly communicate with the ME 200, the UE 100 may includes a second communication module (not shown) for supporting a wireless connection such as infrared ray communication, the Bluetooth™, the Zigbee, and the wireless universal serial bus (USB), or a wire local network connection. The UE 100 may participate in the PAN 400 by the second communication module.

The UE 100 may communicate with a personal network management (PNM) so as to manage the PAN 400. The UE 100 may also communicate with a PNM application server (PNM AS) or a network management server 520 so that the ME 200 can communicate with an external service providing entity 530 or a UE#2 530 connected to the mobile communication network 500.

The ME 200 (the second communication device) is a mobile communication device or a fixed communication device, and includes a first communication module (not shown) for supporting a wireless connection such as infrared ray communication, the Bluetooth™, the Zigbee, and the wireless universal serial bus (USB), or supporting one or more standards of IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16 and IEEE 802.20. The ME 200 may participate in the PAN 400 by the first communication module.

The ME 200 may communicate with the external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530 connected to the mobile communication network 500 by transceiving control data to/from the PNM AS 520 through the UE 100, and by transceiving service data to/from the external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530 through a new connection path 610 via a second access system 600 (or a second access network). The new connection path 610 indicates a connection path between the ME#1 201 and the external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530, which is different from the conventional connection path between the UE#1 100 and the external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530. The new connection path 610 may be an Internet protocol (IP)-based connection path.

So far, the construction of the PAN 400 according to the present invention was explained.

Hereinafter, the operation of terminals inside the PAN 400 will be explained.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a reciprocal recognition process between terminals of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, the UE 100 registers the ME#1 201 to the PAN 400. Herein, the UE 100 is supposed to have a USIM.

-   -   (1) The UE 100 having a USIM performs a search (or, a scan) to         recognize the ME#1 201 usable in the PAN 400.     -   (2) The ME#1 201 responses to the search. As the response, the         ME#1 201 may transmit a response message to the UE 100. If the         ME#1 201 is not registered in the PAN 400, the ME#1 201 may         transmit information for making its presence recognized to the         UE 100. The information may be included in the response message.         That is, the response message may include an ID and a type of         the ME#1 201 required for informing a presence of the ME#1 201.         For instance, the response message may include information of         PAN Sub ID=None and Type=PC.     -   (3) The UE 100 performs a service control in response to         receiving the response message. More concretely, the UE 100         checks the ID of the ME#1 201 (for example the PAN Sub ID of the         ME#1 201). Then, if the ME#1 has no ID, the UE 100 generates a         new ID (for example a new PAN Sub ID) and stores it.     -   (4) The UE 100 performs authentication and authorization         processes after recognizing the ME#1 201. For instance, the UE         100 transmits an authentication/authorization message to the         ME#1 201. The generated ID (for example, PAN Sub ID) may be         transmitted to the ME#1 together with the authentication and         authorization message.     -   (5) The ME#1 201 stores the ID (for example, the PAN Sub ID)         received from the UE 100.     -   (6) The ME#1 201 informs its capability and usable resources to         the UE 100. The capability and usable resources may be a codec,         a screen size, and a network type. The capability and the usable         resources may be informed by transmitting a capability informing         message such as a capability announcement message.     -   (7) The UE 100 stores the capability and usable resources. The         stored capability and usable resources of the ME#1 201 may be         transmitted to the PNM AS 520 if necessary. The stored         capability and usable resources may be updated when the UE 100         receives changed information from the ME#1 201.     -   (8) The UE 100 informs a recognition completion to the ME 200.         The recognition completion may be informed by transmitting a         positive response message such as an OK message to the ME 200.         If the ME#1 201 is aware of a success of the recognition, it         waits as an idle state until a communication starts.

A process for the UE 100 to select the ME#1 201 so as to perform a specific service through the ME#1 201 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a registration process of the terminals of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, after the completion of the recognition in FIG. 3, the UE 100 selects the ME#1 201 so as to perform a specific service through the ME#1 201, and registers the ME#1 201 to the application server (AS) 520 in the mobile communication network 500.

-   -   (1) When the UE 100 is to receive a specific service such as a         media service through a specific terminal inside the PAN 400, it         selects the ME#1 201 being recognized in the PAN 400.     -   (2) The UE 100 requests an activation to the ME#1 201 so as to         receive the specific service through the ME#1 201. The request         of the activation may be achieved by transmitting an activation         request message to the ME 200. The activation request message         may be processed according to a mechanism of an access system         inside the PAN 400.     -   (3) The ME#1 201 is converted into a ready state so as to         perform the specific service in response to the activation         request.     -   (4) The ME#1 201 responses to the UE 100 by transmitting a         response message such as an OK message to the UE 100. The ME#1         201 waits to receive the specific message.     -   (5) The UE 100 requests the PNM AS 520 inside the mobile         communication network 500 to change a destination for data         transfer. The request of the change is achieved by transmitting         a change request message to the PNM AS 520. The change request         message may be an INVITE message, and may include one or more of         a PAN ID of the UE 100, a PAN ID (SUB ID) of the ME#1 201, an         address of the ME#1 201 (IP address), a port number of the ME#1         201, and an ID of the specific service.

The change request message may be transparently transmitted to the PNM AS 520 through a serving-call state control function (S-CSCF) 540 inside the mobile communication network 500. The S-CSCF 540 is an entity to route the change request message to the PNM AS 520, and performs a session routing in an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). The S-CSCF 540 is well known to those skilled in the art, and thus its detail explanation will be omitted.

-   -   (6) The PNM AS 520 performs a service control. That is, the PNM         AS 520 changes a destination for transfer of the specific         service data into the ME 200 by using information received from         the UE 100.     -   (7) The PNM AS 520 informs a completion of the change to the UE         100 by transmitting a positive response message such as an OK         message.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing a multiple network connection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the multiple network connection method, the UE#1 100 performs a specific service provided from the external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530 through the ME#1 201. Herein, it is supposed that the ME#1 201 is included in the PAN 400 in FIG. 3, and is registered to the PNM AS 520 in FIG. 4.

-   -   (1) The UE#1 100 requests a service from the ME#1 201 so as to         perform a specific service or a specific service to be perform         through the ME#1 201. The request of the service may be achieved         by transmitting a service request message to the ME#1 201 by the         UE#1 100. The service request message may include a query         message for an address of the ME#1 201 (e.g., IP address) and a         port number.     -   (2) The ME#1 201 performs a service control in response to the         service request. More concretely, the ME#1 201 checks whether or         not the service can be performed. That is, the ME#1 201         activates its second communication module by the service         control. Then, the ME#1 201 obtains necessary information such         as an address and a port number.     -   (3) The ME#1 201 transmits a response message to the UE#1 100.         The response message may include service connection information         such as the obtained information.     -   (4) The UE#1 100 performs a service control. More concretely,         the UE#1 100 updates the service connection information obtained         by the received response message, i.e. information of the ME#1         201 that has been pre-stored therein (e.g., an ID of the PAN         400), information of the specific service, etc.     -   (5) The UE#1 100 requests a service from the PNM AS 520 by         transmitting a service request message such as an INVITE message         to the PNM AS 520. Herein, the service request message is         transparently transmitted to the PNM AS 520 through the S-CSCF         540. The service request message may include one or more of         service connection information, i.e., a PAN ID of the UE#1 100,         a PAN ID (Sub ID) of the ME#1 201, an address (IP address) of         the ME#1 201, a port number of the ME#1 201, and an ID of the         specific service.     -   (6) The PNM AS 520 performs a service control in response to the         service request. More concretely, the PNM AS 520 performs a         service control, stores the service connection information,         recognizes that service data is transceived through a new         connection path 610, and prepares a fee charging.     -   (7) When the setting is completed, the PNM AS 520 transmits a         positive response message to the UE#1 100. Herein, the positive         response message is transparently transmitted to the UE#1 100         through the S-CSCF 540.     -   (8) The PNM AS 520 requests a service to the S-CSCF 540 by         transmitting a service request message such as an INVITE         message.     -   (9) The S-CSCF 540 routes the request of the service to an         external service providing entity 530 or an UE#2 530.     -   (10) The external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530         transmits a positive or negative response message to the S-CSCF         540 in response to the service request. Herein, the positive         response message may be a 200 OK message.     -   (11) The S-SCCF 540 transmits the positive or negative response         message to the PNM AS 520.     -   (12) The external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530         generates a new connection path 610 to the ME#1 201.     -   (13-14) The external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2         530 transmits service data to the ME#1 201 through the new         connection path 610.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing a multiple network connection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the multiple network connection method, a service is performed by a request of the external service providing entity 530. Once the UE 100 receives a service request from the external service providing entity 530, the ME#1 201 performs the service through the new connection path 610. Herein, it is supposed that the ME#1 201 is included in the PAN 400 in FIG. 3, and is registered to the PNM AS 520 in FIG. 4.

-   -   (1) The external service providing entity 530 requests a service         to the S-CSCF 540 by transmitting a service request message such         as an INVITE message. Herein, the service request message may         include an indicator to indicate that a service is to be         performed through any terminal, e.g., an ID (PAN ID) of the ME#1         201. The service request message may include a service ID to         indicate a PAN service, e.g., Service ID=PNM.     -   (2) The S-CSCF 540 routes the request of the service to the PNM         AS 520.     -   (3) The PNM AS 520 re-transmits the request of the service to         the S-CSCF 540, and the S-CSCF 540 routes the request of the         service to the UE 100.     -   (4) The UE 100 performs a service control in response to the         request of the service. More concretely, the UE 100 performs the         service control, thereby analyzing one or more of a capability         of the ME#1 201, usable resources of the ME#1 201, and whether         or not the service is usable.     -   (5) The UE 100 requests a service to the ME#1 201 after         performing the service control. The request of the service is         achieved by transmitting a service request message to the ME#1         201. The service request message may be one or more of a         capability of the ME#1 201, usable resources of the ME#1 201,         and whether or not the service is usable.     -   (6) The ME#1 201 performs a service control in response to the         service request. More concretely, the ME#1 201 checks one or         more of its capability, its usable resources, and whether or not         the service is usable. That is, the ME#1 201 can check its PAN         ID (SUB ID), its address (IP address), and its port number.     -   (7) The ME#1 201 transmits a response message to the UE 100. The         response message may include ‘service connection information’         such as a capability of the ME#1 201, usable resources of the         ME#1 201, and whether or not the service is usable. The ‘service         connection information’ may include one or more of an ID of the         ME#1 201 (PAN ID), an address of the ME#1 201 (IP address), and         a port number of the ME#1 201.     -   (8) The UE 100 transmits a positive response message or a         negative response message to the PNM AS 520 according to the         response message of the ME#1 201. Herein, the positive response         message may be a 200 OK message. As aforementioned, the positive         or negative response message is transparently transmitted to the         PNM AS 520 through the S-CSCF 540.     -   (9) The PNM AS 520 transfers the positive response message or         the negative response message to the external service providing         entity 530.     -   (10) The external service providing entity 530 or the UE#2 530         generates a new connection path 610 when receiving the positive         response message. However, the external service providing entity         530 or the UE#2 530 transmits a failure message to the UE 100         when receiving the negative response message.     -   (11-12) The external service providing entity 530 transmits the         service data through the new connection path 610.

Effects of the present invention will be explained as follows.

In the present invention, the ME 200 transceives data through the new connection path 610, which solves the conventional problem occurred when data is transceived through the UE 100 inside the PAN 400 with a concentration state.

First, since the ME 200 transceives data through the new connection path 610, a battery of the UE 100 is prevented from being unnecessarily consumed.

Second, since the ME 200 does not execute a service through the UE 100, it is not dependent on a communication environment of the UE 100.

Third, since the ME 200 does not execute a service through the UE 100, it does not degrade a capability of the UE 100.

Fourth, since the ME 200 does not execute a service through the UE 100, a communication overload of the UE 100 does not occur.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A method for multiple network connection, the method comprising: receiving, by a first device from a second device, capability information of the second device; transmitting, by the first device to the second device, a registration complete message indicating that the second device is registered to a network; and performing, by the first device, a service control for providing a service for the second device, wherein a first connection path and a second connection path are established using the capability information, wherein the first connection path is established between the network and the second device through the first device, and the first connection path is used for conveying control information for the service, wherein the second connection path is established between the network and the second device not through the first device, and the second connection path is used for conveying user data for the service, and wherein the first device and the second device are included in a personal area network (PAN), the PAN provides a direct communication between the first device and the second device.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, by the first device to the second device, an authorization message for allowing the second device to receive the service.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting, by the first device to the second device, an activation request message; and receiving, by the first device from the second device, a response message in response to the activation request message.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the service control comprises: transmitting, by the first device to the network, a request message including the capability information of the second device, and receiving, by the first device from the network, a response message in response to the request message.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the request message is used for establishing the first connection path and the second connection path.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the request message further includes at least one of a network identifier of the first device, a network identifier of the second device, an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second device, a port number of the second device, or a service identifier.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device is connected to the network using a radio access.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device has a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM).
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device communicates with the second device using access mechanism not using a radio access.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second connection path is established using an Internet access.
 11. A method for multiple network connection, the method comprising: transmitting, by a second device to a first device, capability information of the second device; receiving, by the second device from the first device, a registration complete message indicating that the second device is registered to a network; and receiving, by the second device, a service according to a service control by the first device, wherein a first connection path and a second connection path are established using the capability information, wherein the first connection path is established between the network and the second device through the first device, and the first connection path is used for conveying control information for the service, wherein the second connection path is established between the network and the second device not through the first device, and the second connection path is used for conveying user data for the service, and wherein the first device and the second device are included in a personal area network (PAN), the PAN provides direct communication between the first device and the second device.
 12. A first device comprising: a communication module; and a control module; wherein the control module is configured to: receive, from a second device, capability information of the second device, transmit, to the second device, a registration complete message indicating that the second device is registered to a network, and perform a service control for providing a service for the second device, wherein a first connection path and a second connection path are established using the capability information, wherein the first connection path is established between the network and the second device through the first device, and the first connection path is used for conveying control information for the service, wherein the second connection path is established between the network and the second device not through the first device, and the second connection path is used for conveying user data for the service, and wherein the first device and the second device are included in a personal area network (PAN), the PAN provides direct communication between the first device and the second device.
 13. A second device comprising: a communication module; and a control module; wherein the control module is configured to: transmit, to a first device, capability information of the second device, receive, from the first device, a registration complete message indicating that the second device is registered to a network, and receive a service according to a service control by the first device, wherein a first connection path and a second connection path are established using the capability information, wherein the first connection path is established between the network and the second device through the first device, and the first connection path is used for conveying control information for the service, wherein the second connection path is established between the network and the second device not through the first device, and the second connection path is used for conveying user data for the service, and wherein the first device and the second device are included in a personal area network (PAN), the PAN provides direct communication between the first device and the second device. 